CCTV installation is an investment, and—like any investment— it helps to know the costs before committing. So, how much does it cost to install a CCTV system?
It depends.
CCTV systems aren’t one-size-fits-all. Each home and business is unique and requires a unique security solution. Installation of one small camera in a home will have a much different price tag than a commercial 20-camera system.
There are four costs associated with CCTV systems: hardware, software, installation, and maintenance. Understanding these will help you estimate the price to install a system in your home or business.
CCTV systems aren’t one-size-fits-all. Each home and business is unique and requires a unique security solution. Installation of one small camera in a home will have a much different price tag than a commercial 20-camera system.
Hardware
Hardware is the physical equipment that makes up the CCTV system. Typically, this is the most expensive part of the CCTV installation process. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of hardware variations and features that could affect the price, so providing an accurate estimate is difficult without knowing the specific options you need.
Cameras
The cost of cameras depends entirely on the number of cameras and the features you’re looking for. A single, low-end camera might go for under $100, while a high-definition, multi-camera system can push well into the thousands of dollars.
In general, purchasing cameras for home use will be less expensive than commercial systems. They require fewer high-end features and don’t need as many cameras to cover the smaller space.
Recording Device
A recording device is what stores the video captured by your CCTV cameras. Depending on the system, this can be an on-site DVR or cloud-based off-site storage. Obviously, an off-site recording device won’t be an additional hardware cost, but it’ll add a slight increase to your maintenance costs later on. For an on-site recording device, you’ll need to purchase some additional hardware.
Consider data storage when calculating the hardware cost of a recording device. All that video footage needs to be stored somewhere! The more cameras you have, the more storage space you’ll need. Generally, 60 GB per camera is sufficient, but if you use high-resolution cameras, you might need more.
Security Monitors
What good are security cameras if you can’t watch the footage? The cost of security monitors depends entirely on your preferred setup. A single screen will be less expensive than a complicated multi-screen setup. If you use IP cameras, you can also choose to use your mobile devices to view your security footage and forego the cost of a dedicated monitor.
Software
CCTV software is what lets you interact with and manage your security system. Again, the cost of software varies depending on the system you choose. Some software uses a one-time or annual licensing fee, while others require a monthly subscription. This price isn’t always obvious, so it’s a good idea to ask your security provider about any software fees before CCTV installation.
Installation
Installation costs can range from free (if you install it yourself) to potentially thousands of dollars. It all depends on who you choose to install the system and the scope of the system. While it might be tempting to handle installation yourself to save a couple of dollars, it’s always a good idea to hire a professional CCTV installation service.
The average CCTV installation cost is around $75 per hour for professional installation in Queensland. The number of hours depends on your system. Naturally, a large, complicated system will take longer to install than a simple one-camera system.
Maintenance
Once your CCTV system is operational, you need to keep it that way. Maintenance is often overlooked when pricing CCTV systems, but it’s still an important cost to think about.
Most modern systems come with monthly subscriptions for things like cloud storage or server maintenance. While these costs aren’t typically very expensive, they can add to the overall price of your CCTV installation and should be considered.
Four Walls Security: CCTV Installation Experts
Without knowing the features you need, it’s nearly impossible to provide an exact cost for CCTV installation. If you’re looking for a more accurate quote, contact the experts at Four Walls Security. We can walk you through the installation process, help you choose the perfect features to suit your needs, and give you a detailed quote so you know what to expect. Take the next step in securing your property and trust the experts at Four Walls Security.